Overview
Let the bridges continue: in 2024, Brisbane will welcome not one but two new ways to cross the river, continuing the city's love of building new ways to get over the water. Both are green bridges, catering to pedestrians and cyclists. And while you might already be excited about Kangaroo Point's next addition, which will boast its own dining spots, Breakfast Creek's new expanse will connect to Kingsford Smith Drive's Riverwalk.
The Brekkie Creek structure isn't new news, given that it was announced years back, but it is now targeting an early 2024 opening. Not open to cars — that's the green bridge setup — and sans an overwater restaurant and bar, this northside stretch across the water will be far simpler than its CBD counterpart. Here, it'll be all about moseying and soaking in the view.
Set to span 80 metres, the Breakfast Creek green bridge will feature dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists — at a minimum width of six metres — all while extending the existing Lores Bonney Riverwalk and reaching over to Newstead Park.
Appearance-wise, arches feature prominently — and the design will be decked out in hues that match the Moreton Bay Fig trees in the area. At its landing point at Newstead Park, it'll be designed to integrate easily with the park's heritage look as well. And, the bridge will also help connect the CBD with Olympics Athletes Village that's planned for Northshore Hamilton during the 2032 Olympics.
While it was initially hoped that the bridge would open in 2023, that isn't happening, hence the 2024 date. The structure's key 300-tonne steel arch has just arrived onsite, which means that construction will be 90-percent complete when it is put into place by specialist machinery. After this, the last steps to get the bridge ready to open include concrete pours for the deck; installing the balustrade, lights and electrics; and marking out lines and adding signage.
"Around 300 tonnes of steel, the equivalent to seven double-decker CityCats, was used to construct the bridge, which will sit 14 metres high and is six metres wide," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
"This project delivers around 700 metres of new and improved walking and riding paths, including an extension to the Lores Bonney Riverwalk and a new two-way on-road cycle path from Newstead Park to Newstead Terrace," added Brisbane Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy.
The Breakfast Creek green bridge is expected in early 2024. For further details, head to the Brisbane City Council website.
Images: Brisbane City Council.